4 x 4 Block and Semester Classes
Why semester blocks?
Semester classes are courses that last for one semester, or half of the school year, instead of the whole year. Some high schools offer semester classes as an option for students who want to explore different subjects, earn more credits, or have more flexibility in their schedules*.
Some advantages of semester classes are:
They allow students to focus on fewer subjects at a time and reduce the cognitive load for the semester
They provide more opportunities for feedback and assessment, which can enhance learning and motivation
They enable students to complete more courses and allows students room in their schedule to redo any failed courses as well as provide opportunities for more dual enrollment/college classes in their schedules
Most ARISE classes* are semesterized 80 minute block classes that are done four times per week.
Although course content and learning targets a years material are fit into semester classes, all math classes and some introductory ELA classes have been modified to combat learning loss in the pandemic as well as addressing critical learning needs that have been longitudinally identified through our NWEA math and ELA data.
*With the 4x4 block schedule students are able to take ernichment classes, two dual enrolment, and internships.